Autonomous vehicles - Nebraska

Type of vehicles allowed

• Non-CMV: Yes
• CMV: Yes

Automation level allowed: SAE Level 4-5

Testing only: No

Platooning: No

Full operation: Yes.

• Driverless-capable vehicle without a driver. A driverless-capable vehicle may operate on the public roads of Nebraska without a conventional human driver physically present in the vehicle, as long as the vehicle meets the following conditions:
  • The vehicle is capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if a malfunction of the automated driving system (ADS) occurs that renders the system unable to perform the entire dynamic driving task (DDT) within its intended operational design domain (ODD), if any; and
  • While in driverless operation, the vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with the applicable traffic and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of Nebraska that govern the performance of the DDT, including, but not limited to, safely negotiating railroad crossings, unless an exemption has been granted by the department.
• ADS-equipped vehicle operation with a driver. The operation on the public roads of Nebraska of an ADS-equipped vehicle capable of performing the entire DDT within its ODD while a conventional human driver is present is lawful.
  • Such operation will be subject to the Nebraska Rules of the Road, as applicable.
  • The conventional human driver must be licensed as required under the Motor Vehicle Operator’s License Act, and:
    • Remains subject to the Nebraska Rules of the Road,
    • Must operate the ADS-equipped vehicle according to the manufacturer’s requirements and specifications, and
    • Must regain manual control of the vehicle upon the request of the ADS.

Insurance: Before an ADS-equipped vehicle may operate on the public roads of Nebraska, a person must submit proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the DMV that the vehicle is covered by insurance or proof of self-insurance that satisfies the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.

Title and registration: The DMV is authorized to title and register, pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Act and the Motor Vehicle Registration Act, ADS-equipped vehicles and driverless-capable vehicles that do not meet applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) but which have been granted an exemption by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).